St. John's is welcoming back one of its all-time greats.

The university introduced Chris Mullin as its new men's basketball coach Wednesday.

Mullin is the school's all-time scoring leader and led them to their last Final Four in 1985.

The Brooklyn native played 16 years in the NBA and won an Olympic gold medal in 1992.

He's held front office positions in the NBA, but this will be his first coaching job.

Mullin said the time was right to come back to New York.

"St. John's University has meant so much to me and my family, and when that opportunity was presented to me, I couldn't turn it down," Mullin said. "I feel obligated to give back. I'm going to work hard to be the best basketball coach I can be and win as many games as possible."

He also said he's looking forward to the challenge

"As far as recruiting, it's something I haven't done," he said. "But quite frankly, the parents might know me before the kids. But I don't think that's a bad thing either. Because what you're offering is, of course, to teach them basketball and try to get them as good as they can."

"There's a buzz in New York. I mean, people are happy about it," said former St. John's head coach Lou Carnesecca. Even, you don't have to be from St. John's. I mean, New York City, they appreciate, they remember. And we're going to get back to what we'd like to be."

"I've heard a lot about Chris from parents, uncles, grandparents, what he's done for St. John's, what he means to St. John's," said one St. John's fan. "Really brings a level of excitement back to the program, and I'm excited."

Mullin replaces Steve Lavin, who mutually agreed to part ways with the university last month after five seasons as head coach.